New Delhi:Veteran England pacer James Anderson on Saturday confirmed the date of his retirement from Test cricket through an Instagram post. He will play his final Test match for England in July in the first red-ball of the summer.
England will play their first test of the summer against the West Indies, starting July 10 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. The 41-year-old kicked off his Test career in 2003 against Zimbabwe and has come a long way since his debut in international cricket and will hang up his boots after a prolonged 21 years of Test career.
Anderson took to his Instagram handle and wrote, "Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test. It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling."
"I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world. I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it. See you at the Test, Go well Jimmy x," he added.
Anderson, currently holding the record for the most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket, recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first pacer and third bowler globally to claim 700 Test wickets. This feat was accomplished during the fifth and final Test match against India at Dharamshala in March, joining the elite company of legendary spinners Muthiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).